- Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
- How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
Conventional hard disks keep user’s data by writing it to their surface in a consecutive way, and this is how an entire file is stored on a single hard disk. However, when data is written to a RAID system, a file is divided into several parts. Then these parts are written consecutively to all hard disks within such array. The size of such parts may range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so each file is stored on several hard disks at the same time.
Such approach helps to speed up read and write operations, and it is evident that saving two parts of a file having the size of 1 GB to two hard disks simultaneously is much faster than saving the same 1 GB of data to one hard disk. However, this peculiarity makes file recovery more complicated.
Various RAID levels store information in different ways. Additionally, manufacturers like Qsan also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.
How can a NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R device's network throughput or bandwidth capacity affect data transfer and potential loss?
The network throughput or bandwidth capacity of a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device, such as the Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R, can have a significant impact on data transfer and potential loss. Here's how:
- Data Transfer Speed: The network throughput determines how quickly data can be transferred between the NAS device and other network-connected devices. Higher throughput means faster data transfer rates, enabling quicker backups, file sharing, and access to data. Conversely, lower throughput can result in slower data transfer, leading to delays and reduced productivity.
- Latency: Network throughput also affects latency, which is the delay between sending a request and receiving a response. Higher throughput reduces latency, ensuring faster response times and improved user experience. Lower throughput can increase latency, resulting in sluggish performance and longer wait times.
- Concurrent Connections: A NAS device with higher network throughput can handle a larger number of concurrent connections without experiencing performance degradation. This is crucial in environments with multiple users accessing the NAS simultaneously. If the throughput capacity is exceeded, data transfer speeds may slow down, causing delays and potential loss of productivity.
- Data Loss: Inadequate network throughput can increase the risk of data loss during data transfers. Insufficient bandwidth may lead to packet loss, where network packets carrying data are dropped due to congestion or limited capacity. Packet loss can result in corrupted or incomplete files, leading to data loss or the need for retransmissions, which further slows down the transfer process.
- Backup and Recovery: NAS devices are often used for data backup and disaster recovery purposes. Higher network throughput allows for faster backup and recovery operations, reducing the time required to safeguard or restore critical data. Insufficient bandwidth can prolong backup windows and recovery times, leaving data vulnerable to loss or extended downtime.
To mitigate these issues, it is essential to ensure that the network infrastructure supporting the NAS device is capable of providing sufficient throughput. This includes using high-speed network connections, such as Gigabit Ethernet or faster, and ensuring proper network configuration to avoid bottlenecks or congestion. Regular monitoring and optimization of the network can help maintain optimal throughput levels and minimize the risk of data transfer issues or loss.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS XCubeNAS XN5008R can be accessed over the network, you still need to take the hard disks out of the storage device and connect them to a Windows computer. Only in this case will the software be able to scan them properly. Here is what you should do:
-
Turn off the storage and disconnect it from the power supply.
WARNING! Before you start taking hard disks out of your NAS device, read the manual carefully. Incorrect actions may damage your network-attached storage and/or the hard disks within the RAID system.
-
Take the hard disks out of the NAS one by one, carefully removing them from their slots. Remember that the disks are extremely vulnerable: hitting or dropping them may result in serious physical damage.
-
Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
-
Remove the hard disks and connect them to the computer. In this video, we have explored what ports are used to connect hard disks, and what to do if there are not enough ports or connectors.
Go to view
Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R. The hard disks that make up the RAID contain technical information about the algorithm used to save files. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery reads this information and puts the damaged array together. Then you can open the disk and save your files. Also, you can recover the files accidentally deleted from the network drive.
XCubeNAS XN5008R has 8 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- RAID 5;
- RAID 6;
- RAID 50;
- RAID 60;
- JBOD;
NAS supports:
- exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
- NTFS / ReFS;
- APFS / HFS+;
- Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
- VMFS / HikvisionFS;
Safe recovery from disk images
This utility lets you save an entire copy of the disk to file and then work with this image instead of the actual disk. Such feature helps to protect data on the disk from:
- Overwriting during the recovery process;
- Loss resulting from bad sectors;
- User mistakes.
To create an image, do the following:
-
Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
-
Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
-
When the image creation wizard starts, you can choose to save the entire disk or select only a part of it. Specify the parameters and click Next.
-
At this stage, you need to choose a directory where to save the image. Choose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP.
Where are user’s files stored?
The Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R network-attached storage keeps SANOS operating system files on a separate RAID 1 (mirrored) array. Usually, all NAS systems create several volumes on every hard disk, and the first of them takes up to 2 Gb of space. This is where operating system files are stored. Other volumes are united into a RAID array where user’s data is written.
Comparison of software for RAID recovery
Product | Operating system | License type | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 200 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 1,000 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | Free | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Yes, data recovery from a NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R device can be done in cases of RAID system failures. However, it is important to note that the process of data recovery from a failed RAID system can be complex and requires specialized knowledge and tools.
In case of a RAID system failure, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service provider who has experience in dealing with RAID systems. They will have the necessary expertise to diagnose the issue, rebuild the RAID array if necessary, and recover the data from the NAS device.
It is important to act quickly in such situations to prevent further damage or data loss.